The Avengers return in new Big Finish Productions series

One of the most iconic and influential of 1960’s TV programs, the Avengers continues to mystify fans with its unique blend of humor, action and drama. Popularized in 1965 with the inclusion of Mrs. Peel played by Dame Diana Rigg, there are many episodes of the Avengers that fans in the US are largely unaware of, including the Honor Blackman episodes and the even earlier initial incarnation in which the bowler-hatted John Steed played a supporting role to Dr David Keel.

Next year, Big Finish, the same studio behind the excellent long-running Doctor Who audio series, Blake’s 7, Dark Shadows, Sherlock Homes, Dorian Grey and more will be adding this timeless classic to its repertoire. Prepare for the return of the Avengers like you have never seen (or heard) them before.

(Whovians should also note that former Doctor #6 Colin Baker and companion Ace Sophie Aldred have joined the supporting cast)

THE AVENGERS: THE LOST EPISODES

The casting of Steed and Dr Keel is revealed…

Big Finish Productions has signed a licence with STUDIOCANAL to produce full cast audio productions of 12 lost episodes of the classic TV series The Avengers.

The Avengers first launched in 1961, and starred Ian Hendry as Dr David Keel and Patrick Macnee as the elusive and suave John Steed. Beginning with the murder of Keel’s fiancée, and his sworn intent to avenge her death, that first year comprised 26 episodes. Sadly, only two of them exist in their entirety as film prints (Girl on the Trapeze and The Frighteners), while just the first act remains of the opening episode, Hot Snow.

Working from the surviving scripts, Big Finish will be presenting the adaptations in three four-disc box sets. The scripts will be adapted, with minimal changes, by John Dorney, the director is Ken Bentley and the producer is David Richardson. The executive producers are Nicholas Briggs and Jason Haigh-Ellery.

In the role of Dr David Keel will be ANTHONY HOWELL, who is perhaps best known for his role as Paul Milner in 21 episodes of Foyle’s War. Anthony is currently filming a part in the American series Dracula; his other work includes Dirk Gently and Dungeons and Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness.

Playing John Steed is JULIAN WADHAM, whose TV work includes Downton Abbey, Midsomer Murders, Middlemarch and Blind Justice. Julian has also appeared in the films The Iron Lady (as Francis Pym), War Horse, Maurice, The English Patient, The Madness of King George and Exorcist: The Beginning.

Volume 1 of The Avengers: The Lost Episodes will be released in January 2014 (and includes a full recreation of Hot Snow), with Volumes 2 and 3 following in July 2014 and January 2015.